A couple of weeks ago, you had the awesome chance to win a Babywearing Workout DVD. Well I feel a little badly that there could only be one winner, so hopefully this is redemption we can all live with… Free, free and free coming your way!

Perhaps you are one of those mamas who find herself permanently jutting out her hip to act as a seat for holding your baby, or maybe you are noticing that your one arm has a bicep unusually larger than the other. Do you find yourself rocking back and forth even when you don’t have a baby in your arms? If any of these scenarios resonate with you, you are likely to have contracted baby-holding-itis. (Imagine this as a DocMcStuffins diagnosis and it won’t sound so “dire”.) So as Hallie calls me sugar and grabs the doctor’s clipboard…let’s figure out how we cure this condition.

What a mama could really use in these situations is something to assist with the weight of her baby so it’s not all up to her body to do on its own. Let’s face it, 10, 20, 30 pounds later, your body can only support a baby so long in hip lock. Here’s where a baby sling comes in.

Why use a sling instead of pushing your baby to get used to not being held? There are many benefits for a baby (both emotionally and physically) by keeping he/she close by, which a sling accomplishes more comfortably for the parent. Babies can hear their parents’ heartbeat, voice and warmth of their bodies which allows the baby to feel emotionally secure as well as regulating the baby’s own body temperature. Natural rocking motion allows babies to be instantly comforted. By carrying the baby up in your arms (instead of in a stroller) you can also keep you baby safe from car exhaust fumes or other external pollutants and germs that are present closer to the ground. Studies have shown that this attachment results in a more satisfied baby, less crying, less anxiety, etc. Bill and Martha Sears note that baby wearing stimulates the infant’s vestibular system, the parts of the inner ear that work like levels or sensors to control the body’s sense of balance. The stimulation “helps babies breathe and grow better, regulates their physiology, and improves motor development”. The benefits are undeniable, so now on to getting that sling on you.

When my child was younger and able to be carried in a sling, I often used Seven Slings around the house to comfortably keep my baby close. Seven Slings are made of 97% Cotton and 3% Lycra and are easy to wear without losing shape over time. These slings are for use with a baby weighing between 8-35lbs. From 0-4 months, the sling can assist with a cradle carry, 2-8 months a front carry, and 6+ months a hip carry.

Use this handy sizing chart to determine which size is for you (Note: order a size up if you are in between). If you can’t locate your soft tape measure, no worries, Seven Slings has a printable one you can use.

Now, as you remember, I said something about free before. Well, here’s the hook-up.

Retailing at $48, your own Seven Sling can be ordered for FREEhereby using the code “hhk” at checkout. You only have to pay shipping and handling. Bonus: New styles are launching today, so you can be the first one with a new pattern in your neck of the woods. So whether you are model ready (like the sling users shown on the site) or still in your pajamas with a sloppy hair bun piled high, these slings are for you.

So push that hip back in position, sit down, find the pattern you like, and click through to get your sling today. Luckily you can type with one hand as your monstrous bicep holds the baby in place…for now.